DBE Certification and Re-evaluation in Montana

What it's for

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) certifies Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) for Montana through its Civil Rights Bureau. DBE certification lets a firm count toward DBE goals on USDOT-funded contracts. MDT also certifies ACDBEs (airport concession firms) and runs a state Small Business Enterprise (SBE) program.

Where this state stands

• DOT's UCP status page lists Montana's re-evaluation as Complete (page last updated Oct 2, 2026).
• MDT posted re-evaluation notices dated Oct 16, 2025 and Nov 14, 2025, but those files now return an error page. Their contents: couldn't verify.
• MDT's certification page says DBE/ACDBE owners must "demonstrate social and economic disadvantage affirmatively based on their own experiences and circumstances," with "specific instances of economic hardship, systemic barriers, and denied opportunities."
• Narrative format: MDT has its own form, MDT-CIV-032 DBE Personal Narrative (01/2026). It asks for the majority owner's name, business name, and an ACDBE checkbox. You may "attach additional pages as needed," so no page limit is published. The owner signs a declaration "under penalty of perjury." No notary is mentioned. MDT Civil Rights Bureau staff evaluate it.
• MDT also posts "Personal Narrative Examples and Ideas" and an "MDT Personal Narrative Scoring Matrix" on its certification page. DOT says the PN is the owner's own statement, not something for consultants to write.
• Federal deadline: a firm that still hasn't sent its narrative and net worth statement by Mar 24, 2027 gets a Notice of Decision disqualifying it (DOT final-rule FAQ, Q17 and Q22). Don't wait for that date.

Have this ready

New in-state application (per MDT):

• DBE Personal Narrative (form MDT-CIV-032).
• DBE Application (the DOT Uniform Certification Application).
• Personal Net Worth form.

Size limits MDT lists: average gross receipts under $32.82 million over 3 years; personal net worth under $2,047,000 (not counting business equity, primary residence or retirement accounts); at least 51% ownership. ACDBE limits differ ($56.42M over 5 years; $75.23M for car rental).

Out-of-state firms: cover letter, an image of your home-state UCP directory listing, and a new Declaration of Eligibility.

Steps

Already certified (re-evaluation):

1. MDT shows re-evaluation as complete. Check your status in the directory at https://app.mdt.mt.gov/ess-dbe/.
2. If you never answered MDT's re-evaluation request, or are unsure, call the DBE program (406-444-0841) to ask what is still open.
3. If MDT asks for documents, use the personal narrative form and the PNW form, and send them through https://transfer.mt.gov.
4. The UCP decides.

New applicants:

1. Read the requirements at https://www.mdt.mt.gov/business/contracting/civil/certification.aspx
2. Complete the DBE Personal Narrative form, the DOT DBE application and the Personal Net Worth form.
3. Submit them through the File Transfer Service: https://transfer.mt.gov
4. Answer any follow-up from MDT staff.

After you're certified

• Each year on your anniversary date, submit a Declaration of Eligibility and a copy of your most recent business tax return.
• Report changes on the DBE Change Report (form MDT-CIV-016).
• To leave the program, MDT has a Notice of Voluntary Removal.
• Certified firms are listed in the directory and can use MDT's Quote Request System (https://app.mdt.mt.gov/dbeqt/).

Watch out for

• MDT's reimbursement program (bonding, training, memberships, travel) is listed as "currently on hold."
• MDT and the CSKT Indian Preference Office held a "DBE 101 Training" on Sep 10, 2026; watch MDT's DBE page for future sessions.
• Missing your annual Declaration of Eligibility can be treated as a failure to cooperate and lead to removal.
• Help from the UCP is free. You do not need to pay anyone to apply or to write your narrative.

What changed nationally, plus DOT's narrative and net worth checklists →

Sources

• www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2026-09/DBE_Final%20Rule_FAQs%2009-28-2026_0.pdf
• www.transportation.gov/UCPstatus
• www.federalregister.gov/d/2026-19688
• www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-A/part-26/subpart-E/section-26.83
• www.mdt.mt.gov/business/contracting/civil/certification.aspx
• www.mdt.mt.gov/business/contracting/civil/dbe.aspx
• www.mdt.mt.gov/business/contracting/civil/contact.aspx
• www.mdt.mt.gov/other/webdata/external/civilrights/forms/MDT-CIV-032_DBE_Personal_Nar

FindMyBids isn't affiliated with USDOT or any certifying agency, and this isn't legal advice. Your state's UCP decides who qualifies. FindMyBids never writes personal narratives and never asks for your net worth figures.